Earn $5K-$10K a Year with Makeup Freelancing
Once you’ve overcome the mental barrier, you’re well on your way to making an extra income and enjoying the fruits of your labor sooner than you may think. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Highlights
Learn practical advice from a seasoned freelance makeup artist on how to turn your passion into a profitable side gig.
Discover why you don't need expensive products to achieve professional results.
Find out how to create a sense of exclusivity and leverage social media to grow your freelance makeup business.
My infatuation with makeup started long before I was even allowed to use it. It grew even stronger once I started religiously following the YouTube makeup gurus, including Stephanie Ledda, Nicole Guerrero, and my personal favorite to this day—Carli Bybel.
Just in time for my 18th birthday, I decided to test some makeup looks on myself. I couldn’t find an artist whose style I truly enjoyed, so I decided I was better off painting my own face. Over the years, I have turned a hobby into a successful side gig for extra income. Keep reading as I share tips and tricks I picked up along the way, as well as potential pitfalls to avoid.
Why Freelance Makeup is a Lucrative Side Gig
Pardon the cliche, but someone once said, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” If you’ve even considered getting into the beauty industry, it is probably because you’re in love with makeup and you enjoy every second of it.
I sincerely believe that your side gig shouldn’t be forced and overwhelming, and you should choose something that brings you joy. Otherwise, you’ll feel trapped between two jobs, and burnout will follow shortly after.
Aside from being something that you love, freelance makeup is also an excellent financial choice. While the market may seem oversaturated, demand appears to be higher than ever. Professional makeup used to be a once-a-year luxury, but now it is a regular beauty service women love investing in frequently.
Everyone wants that “photoshopped” complexion, perfectly blended eyeshadow, and a base that will last all day. Not everyone knows how to achieve it—and this is where you come in. Aside from its popularity, freelance makeup is an excellent solution for extra income because:
the initial investment can be substantial, but the majority of tools (including makeup chairs, vanity, and brushes) can last a lifetime
most products—especially those in powder form—have a long shelf life, and you won’t go through them as quickly as you may think
investing in high-end makeup isn’t a priority—your talent is what truly makes a difference and sets you apart from the competition
Getting Started in the Freelance Makeup Industry—Tips and Tricks
As someone who has been a freelance makeup artist for 12 years now, I can confirm that the first step is to free yourself from the opinions of others. Starting a new business, especially in a small town, often triggers looks of disapproval and spiteful comments. Let it be a driving force rather than an obstacle.
Once you’ve overcome the mental barrier, you’re well on your way to making an extra income and enjoying the fruits of your labor sooner than you may think. Here’s what to keep in mind:
High-end makeup doesn’t equal perfect results; you don’t have to spend thousands of $ on products, as mid-range and affordable makeup can work just as well if you know what you’re doing.
As talented as you are, professional makeup courses will take you from good to great. For Balkan girls and those interested in taking a course in Eastern Europe, I recommend Ana Minic and Bojan Vukadinov—absolute leaders of the makeup game.
If you’re going to invest in something, let that be your tool kit. Choose quality makeup brush brands, including Sigma, Real Techniques, and Sephora complete brush sets for a more affordable option.
Keeping hygiene on the highest level possible is a must—always use disposable mascara wands, and never apply the product directly using the applicator that comes with lipsticks and similar products to avoid contamination.
Investing in a ring light is an excellent solution to elevate your photography, and clients will appreciate getting high-quality photos of the final result as part of the package. These photos will, of course, be a great asset to your social media.
Speaking of social media, post as frequently as you can and prioritize Instagram reels to maximize engagement and visibility
Don’t let the fact that this is not your main job and you’re not available all week discourage you! In my experience, being able to book only on the weekends has created a sense of exclusivity.
Final Thoughts: Organizing Your Extra Income
In my case, the extra income is split between two categories: investing in my business and savings. For me, the goal of having a side gig is to grow your savings while also growing the business that allows you to do so.
A portion of the money I make as a freelance makeup artist goes into expanding the range of products I use, repurchasing my favorites, and ensuring I can offer every single look a client requests. Approximately 30–40% of the earnings go toward the equipment, products, and professional makeup courses that improve my craft.
The remaining 60–70% is directed toward my savings, which is the main reason I embarked on my side business journey. Freelance makeup is, without a doubt, an excellent way to earn an extra $5–$10k a year—especially if seeing a client’s face light up after seeing the final results makes your heart skip a bit.
